Immunihistochemical analyses of collagen I and III and elastin in uteri ligaments in female genital prolapse

The frequency of the female genital prolapse varies from 34,1% to 56,3% in different countries. Pathogenesis and morphological changes in uteri ligaments in female genital prolapse are not clear and have to be investigated. The goal of our study was to investigate uteri ligaments in female genital prolapse by immunohistochemical analyses of collagen I and III and elastin. The study was performed on biopsies of sacro-uterine and round ligaments from 15 women with genital prolapse and 15 women without prolapse. The tissues were fixed in formalin, embedded in paraffin and cut for the slide. Immunohistochemistry was done with primary antibodies collagen I and III (Novus Biologicus, 1:100 и 1:200 and elastin (Thermo Scientific, 1:100). Morphological analyses of ligaments in prolapse showed fibrosis and elastic fibers fragmentation. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed collagens disbalance: with prevalence of collagen III and decrease in elastin compared with control. Impairment in elastic fibers quantity and distribution affects microcirculation and results in connective tissue desorganisation in uterine ligaments, leading to genital prolapse. Further investigations are needed to reveal diagnostic markers and women at risk.

female genital prolapse, sacro-uterine and round ligaments, collagen I and III, elastin